‘As a result of the consultation a substantial number of amendments have been made.

‘These include the size of the scheme being reduced from 30 hectares down to approximately 26 hectares, additional planting and increased hedge heights to help screen views and a promise that the solar farm would not be expanded into fields to the west of the proposed site.’

Along with a benefit fund for local projects, community ownership of the solar farm has been proposed, offering investment opportunities that prioritise those living in Bishop’s Waltham and Shedfield parishes.

Mr Candlish said: ‘We want the community to have the opportunity to invest in the proposed solar farm and share in its success.

‘To achieve this we are partnering with Hampshire Renewable Energy Co-operative, a local not-for-profit organisation that promotes community ownership of renewable energy projects.

‘Should permission be granted and the project proceeds to construction, we’d accept up to 10 per cent of community investment in the proposed solar farm.’

Typical investments should be between £1,000 and £10,000.

Martin Heath, from HREC, said: ‘Community energy is the future.

‘It means all of us – the landowners, the developers and us, the community – have a stake in the renewables in Hampshire. It means that all of us can do our bit to protect our environment; and take responsibility for cleaning up our energy supplies.’

More information about the community ownership proposal can be found at hampshire-energy.coop

To view or comment on the application go to winchester.gov.uk ref 15/00786/FUL.

If the plans are given the go ahead, it would create more than 100 jobs during the four-month build.